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Beckett expected to start finale against Tigers

3/14/14: Josh Beckett pitches three scoreless innings against the Cubs, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out one

By Earl Bloom
/
Special to MLB.com |

LOS ANGELES -- It likely won't be official until sometime Wednesday, but right-hander Josh Beckett will make his first Dodgers start of 2014 that night against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium.

Beckett again tested the ankle he tweaked Friday during a rehab start before Tuesday's game and said it's fine.

The 2003 World Series MVP is on the disabled list because of a right thumb injury. He pitched into the fifth inning Friday for Class A Rancho Cucamonga before coming out after he tried to field a bunt. Beckett completed a normal bullpen Sunday, and he said the arm is fine and the ankle didn't bother him.

"We haven't announced it yet, but he looks like the guy" to start Wednesday, manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday.

Beckett is coming off an injury-shortened 2013 and underwent surgery in July to remove a rib and alleviate a nerve problem.

The Dodgers would need to activate Beckett from the DL and make a corresponding roster move before Wednesday's finale of a two-game set.

Earl Bloom is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.